The Emergence of Mobile-governance in Bangladesh: In What Extent, Mobile-governance Services are Facilitating Flexible & Sustainable ‘Government to Public’ (G2P) Communication?

Abstract: As a developing country, government of Bangladesh took many initiatives using ICT to improve public service in the platform of e-governance. Currently, m-governance is leveraging the e-governance by a wide range of government initiated services in the context of Public Private Partnership (PPP). Mobile-governance services are designed, based on mobile sms, IVR system and interactive applications. The thesis will discuss the service platform for Educational and Agricultural Sector which are influenced by different actors, factors and indicators in the context of Bangladesh. However, the research also checked the sustainability nature of the m-governance services in the study. Five surveys and many interviews were conducted to answer the research question, and the results are analyzed in a mix of theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Analysis showed that m-governance (mobile-governance) system in Agricultural Sector seemed more complex than Educational Sector in terms of service penetration, measuring sustainability, perceived satisfaction and communication network. However, individual behavior towards technology from user’s side, rebound affect, other subjectivity i.e. ‘a mobile has different function’, and negative environmental impact from WEEE from mobile handset disposals were noted but not considered in the case. The analysis evaluated, Agricultural Sector did not fulfilled the nature of sustainability (environmental concern was immeasurable) in m-governance service in communication, but showed flexibility, and in Educational Sector the service evidenced communication flexibility and sustainability (environmental concern somewhat fulfilled). Analyzing the current situation and reality, the government and policy makers are suggested to have proper plan, increase transparency, and encourage public participation in every m-governance service project. Besides that, policy level intervention needed for ‘price setting’ for agricultural product. However, government should target more potential receivers in both sectors. In general for sustainability, government of Bangladesh is recommended to start thinking about the WEEE disposals form mobile handset, which has long term environmental and health impact.